Q: What is the United Way of Jasper County?

Q: How are Partner Agencies held accountable?

A: Our non-profit organization was founded in 1938. We are located in Newton, Iowa and serve all the communities in Jasper County. We work throughout the year to raise awareness and funds for the community and our agencies. We coordinate workplace campaigns with employers and advocate for positive change in four priority areas: Nurturing Children and Youth, Building Self-Sufficiency, Strengthening Families and Promoting Health and Healing. Our goal is to create lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. We operate under the idea that when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all.

A: They must be recognized by the IRS as a non-profit agency and governed by volunteers. They must meet a human service need and operate at or under administrative costs of 25%. Every one of our agencies undergoes an annual review from United Way volunteers on our Fund Distribution committee. They are required to submit annual budgets, audits or independently reviewed financial statements, and a report detailing their programs and services from the previous year. The allocation committee especially looks for successful outcomes that improve the lives of individuals served by a partner agency.

Q: What communities does UWJC serve?

Q: Why not give directly to my favorite non-profit?

A: We serve the following communities: Baxter, Colfax, Galesburg, Ira, Kellogg, Killduff, Lambs Grove, Lynnville, Mingo, Monroe, Newburg, Newton, Prairie City, Reasnor, Sully, and Valeria. However, many of our partnering agencies serve other counties, so if you need help, but don't live in Jasper County, you can still call us at (641) 792-1684 or 2-1-1 for help.

A: We encourage people to give to the organizations that they are passionate about. However, giving through UWJC ensures that our agencies receive steady, reliable funding throughout the year rather than sporadic contributions from the public. By working with the United Way, our partnering agencies spend less on fundraising which enables them to put more money and effort toward their programs and services. Another reason why is because you are able to donate by payroll deduction through your employer. This is a unique opportunity that your employer provides you to make giving more convenient. And the final reason is that your donation is leveraged with others to support more programs and agencies.

Q: Are all United Ways exactly the same?

Q: Does my donation stay in Jasper County?

A: There are approximately 1,400 United Ways across the country that exist in their respective communities to build partnerships and leverage resources to create plans for long lasting community change. Though United Ways share a logo and have similar missions, each United Way is independently incorporated and is led by local staff and volunteers. The work of each United Way is determined by its community needs.

A: YES! 99 cents of every dollar that a donor invests in our United Way stays here to serve the needs of our friends, family and neighbors in Jasper County. The remaining one cent pays our dues to United Way Worldwide which allows using the UWW brand mark, attending their training sessions and most importantly it gives us access to National Corporate Leadership companies, such as Principal, Nationwide, UPS and many more.